U.S. patent application number 13/019117 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for system and method for controlling wireless device use in a vehicle.
Invention is credited to Fred Bolingbroke.
Application Number | 20120196544 13/019117 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46577746 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120196544 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bolingbroke; Fred |
August 2, 2012 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WIRELESS DEVICE USE IN A
VEHICLE
Abstract
Systems and methods for controlling use of a wireless device
within a vehicle include emitting a mimic signal from a control
unit so that the wireless device registers with the control unit
rather than an external network are described. The control unit
selectively allows wireless communications sessions between the
wireless device and an external network based upon at least one
predefined rule. Other embodiments are also described.
Inventors: |
Bolingbroke; Fred;
(Syracuse, UT) |
Family ID: |
46577746 |
Appl. No.: |
13/019117 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/68 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72577 20130101;
H04B 1/3822 20130101; H04W 76/10 20180201; H04W 48/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/68 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/00 20060101
H04B007/00 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling use of a wireless device within a
vehicle, comprising: emitting a mimic signal from a control unit
coupled to the vehicle, the mimic signal having characteristics
sufficiently similar to a wireless base station to cause the
wireless device to register with the control unit; receiving
attempts to initiate wireless communication sessions from the
wireless device by the control unit; and selectively allowing a
wireless communications session between the wireless device and an
external network based on a predefined rule.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined rule comprises
allowing wireless communications when the vehicle is not in
motion.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined rule comprises
disallowing wireless communications when the vehicle is in
motion.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined rule comprises
allowing wireless communications when the wireless device is
calling an emergency number regardless of whether the vehicle is in
motion.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined rule comprises
allowing wireless communications when the wireless device is
calling a number on a predefined list of allowed numbers regardless
of whether the vehicle is in motion.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication
session is a voice call.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein emitting the mimic signal
comprises transmitting a paging channel from the control unit.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the paging channel is compliant
with the CDMA2000 system specifications.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the paging channel is compliant
with the UMTS system specifications.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein emitting the mimic signal
comprises transmitting a plurality of signals corresponding to
multiple cellular system types.
11. The method of claim 3, wherein detecting when the vehicle is in
motion comprises receiving speed information from the vehicle.
12. The method of claim 3, wherein detecting when the vehicle is in
motion comprises receiving transmission gear selection information
from the vehicle.
13. The method of claim 3, wherein detecting when the vehicle is in
motion comprises receiving information from a Global Positioning
System receiver.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively allowing wireless
communication sessions comprises disabling transmission of the
mimic signal.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively allowing wireless
communication sessions comprises transmitting a message to the
wireless device to cause the wireless device to register with an
external network.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively allowing wireless
communication sessions comprises: exchanging messages with an
external network to register the wireless device with the external
network; and sending a message to the wireless device to cause it
to establish communication with the external network.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the mimic signal is
substantially stronger within the vehicle than signals originating
from the external network.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the mimic signal is
substantially contained within the vehicle.
19. A control device for managing use of a wireless device within a
vehicle, comprising: a transmitter configured to emit a mimic
signal having characteristics sufficiently similar to a wireless
base station to cause the wireless device to register with the
control device; a receiver configured to receive data from the
wireless device; a vehicle interface configured to receive
information from the vehicle sufficient to determine an operational
mode of the vehicle; and a control unit coupled to the receiver,
the transmitter, and the vehicle interface, wherein the control
unit responds to the receiver to receive attempts to establish a
wireless communications session by the wireless device, and the
transmitter responds to the control unit to perform actions to
selectively establish a wireless communications session between the
wireless device and an external network according to a predefined
rule.
20. The control unit of claim 19, wherein the predefined rule
includes when the vehicle is not moving, when the vehicle is not in
a traveling gear, when the wireless device is attempting to call an
emergency number, and when the wireless device is attempting to
call one of a plurality of predefined numbers.
21. The control unit of claim 19, wherein the transmitter comprises
a base station transmitter.
22. The control unit of claim 21, wherein the transmitter transmits
a waveform compliant with CDMA2000 waveform or UMTS waveform
standards.
23. The control unit of claim 19, wherein the receiver comprises a
base station receiver.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to wireless communications
systems. More particularly, the present application relates to
controlling wireless device usage in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wireless communications has become ubiquitous, with
increasing numbers of individuals having and using wireless
devices. Unfortunately, individuals do not always use these devices
in a responsible manner. A particularly problematic area is the
usage of devices by drivers of moving vehicles. It is widely
believed that the use of a cellular telephone while driving is a
distraction to the driver that increases the likelihood of the
driver being involved in an accident. Some states have gone so far
as to pass laws prohibiting the use of cellular telephones while
driving. Regardless of the risks and prohibitions, many individuals
continue to use their cellular telephones while driving.
SUMMARY
[0003] This application describes a method and a system of
controlling the use of a wireless device within a vehicle. The
system contains a control device for managing use of a wireless
device within a vehicle. The control device contains a transmitter
that is configured to emit a mimic signal having characteristics
sufficiently similar to a wireless base station to cause the
wireless device to register with the control device. The control
device also contains a receiver that is configured to receive data
from the wireless device. The control device also contains a
vehicle interface configured to receive information from the
vehicle so that it can determine an operational mode of the
vehicle. A control unit can be coupled to the receiver, the
transmitter, and the vehicle interface and can be responsive to the
receiver to receive attempts to establish a wireless communications
session by the wireless device. The transmitter can be responsive
to the control unit to perform actions to selectively enable
establishment of a wireless communications session between the
wireless device and an external network according to any predefined
rule. With such a system, a mimic signal can be emitted from the
control unit that is coupled to the vehicle. The mimic signal can
have characteristics sufficiently similar to a wireless base
station to cause the wireless device to register with the control
unit. The control unit can receive attempts to initiate wireless
communication session from the wireless device, and can selectively
allow a wireless communications session between the wireless device
and an external network based on the predefined rule.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The following description can be better understood in light
of the Figures, in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram in some embodiments of a system
providing control of a wireless device;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a protocol diagram illustrating some embodiments
of a message exchange between a wireless device and a control unit
showing wireless device registration with the control unit;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a protocol diagram illustrating some embodiments
of a message exchange between a wireless device and a control unit
showing the control unit disallowing calls;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a protocol diagram illustrating other embodiments
of a message exchange between a wireless device and a control unit
showing the control unit disallowing calls;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a protocol diagram illustrating yet other
embodiments of a message exchange between a wireless device and a
control unit showing the control unit disallowing calls;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a protocol diagram illustrating some embodiments
of a message exchange between a wireless device and a control unit
showing the control unit allowing calls;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a protocol diagram illustrating other embodiments
of a message exchange between a wireless device and a control unit
showing the control unit allowing calls;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a protocol diagram illustrating yet other
embodiments of a message exchange between a wireless device and a
control unit showing the control unit allowing calls;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing some embodiments of a
control unit;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing some embodiments of a
computer system which can be used in the controller of FIG. 9;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing some embodiments of a
process for controlling wireless device usage within a vehicle;
and
[0016] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing some embodiments of a
process for determining when to allow and to disallow calls.
[0017] The Figures illustrate specific aspects of methods and
systems of controlling the use of a wireless device within a
vehicle. Together with the following description, the Figures
demonstrate and explain the principles of the structure and methods
of this circuitry. The same reference numerals in different
drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions
will not be repeated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following description supplies specific details in order
to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled
artisan would understand the circuit operation and methods for
making and using such circuits can be implemented and used without
employing all of the described details. Indeed, the devices and
associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the
illustrated devices and associated methods and can be used in
conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally
used in the industry.
[0019] The Figures show some embodiments of a method and a system
of controlling the use of a wireless device within a vehicle. FIG.
1 provides an illustration of a system for controlling wireless
device usage in a vehicle. A vehicle 102 can travel within a
geographic area which has a wireless network 106 (which is one
example of an external communications network). The wireless
network can be any known wireless network including, for example, a
cellular network, a personal communications services network, a
WiFi network, a wireless internet network, or the like. The vehicle
can be any known vehicle, including automobiles, trucks,
motorcycles, bicycles, boats, aircraft, or the like.
[0020] As depicted in FIG. 1, a control unit 100 can be installed
within the vehicle 102. The control unit 100 can control the usage
of a wireless device 104 within the vehicle. The wireless device
can be any known wireless communication device, including a
cellular telephone, personal data assistant, tablet computer,
laptop computer, game system or the like.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 100 can emit a mimic
signal. In some embodiments, the mimic signal can be substantially
contained within the vehicle. For example, as described in further
detail herein, the transmission power of the control unit can be
selected to help ensure that the signal strength of the mimic
signal is below a predetermined level outside of the vehicle.
[0022] The mimic signal emitted from the control unit 100 can be
sufficiently similar to a wireless base station to cause a wireless
device 104 that is within the vehicle 102 to register with the
control unit rather than with the external wireless network 106.
For example, as described in further detail herein, the mimic
signal can have a similar signal and data format as a base station
pilot or beacon signal that is emitted from the external wireless
network. The mimic signal can, in other embodiments, have a
stronger signal strength within the vehicle as compared to the
signal strength of the external wireless network. Accordingly, the
wireless device 104 can prefer to establish a communications link
108 with the control unit rather than the external network 106.
Thus, when the wireless device attempts to initiate a wireless
communications session, it will communicate with the control unit
rather than the external network. Thus, the control unit 100 can
receive attempts to initiate wireless communications from the
wireless device.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a protocol diagram showing one example of
message exchanges between a wireless device 104 and the control
unit 100 which can occur when the wireless device is first brought
into the vehicle. With time shown in the vertical axis, the
wireless device and control unit are each represented by vertical
lines, and message flow between the wireless device and the control
unit are shown as diagonal lines (the lines are sloped to suggest
the time delays associated with wireless signal propagation and
message processing). Annotations shown in italics between the
messages describe other activities which may occur within the
wireless device or control unit (e.g., actions triggered by
reception of a message, or actions which trigger the transmission
of a message). When the wireless device enters the vehicle, it will
detect the mimic signal. Because the mimic signal is stronger
(within the vehicle) than the external network, the wireless device
will attempt to register with the control unit. Thus, the wireless
device will send a registration request message to the control
unit. The control unit can respond with a registration response
message. At this point, the wireless device is now associated with
the control unit rather than the external network. Thus, the
control unit (rather than the external network) will receive call
requests from the wireless device, and the control unit can
determine whether or not to allow the calls to go through to the
external network 106, as described in further detail herein.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 100 can have an
interface 110 to the vehicle 102 to allow the control unit to
obtain information from the vehicle. The information can be used to
determine the operational mode of the vehicle. For example, the
information can include whether the vehicle's engine is running,
what gear the vehicle is in, whether the vehicle is moving, a speed
at which the vehicle is moving, or combinations thereof. This
information can be used by the control unit to determine whether
the vehicle is in motion, and when to allow the wireless device 104
to initiate or receive wireless communications sessions.
Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 100 can use a
Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to determine when the
vehicle is in motion. For example, the GPS receiver can be
interfaced to the control unit to provide movement data to the
control unit.
[0025] The control unit 100 can selectively allow the wireless
device 104 to engage in communication sessions with the external
network 106. The communication sessions can include any known
communication using the wireless device 104 including a voice call,
a data session, a text message, an email message, internet
communications, voice over IP call, or the like, or combinations
thereof. The control unit can enable or disable calls based one or
more predefined rules, including whether the vehicle is in motion
or not, what telephone number is being called, or combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, any desired communication can be
prevented whenever the vehicle is moving (e.g., vehicle speed above
a threshold of zero or other amount), whenever the vehicle is in a
gear capable of allowing movement (e.g., reverse, drive, 1.sup.st
gear, etc.), or when the vehicle engine is on. In other
embodiments, any desired communication can be allowed when the
vehicle is stopped, when the vehicle is in a non-moving gear (e.g.,
park), or when the vehicle engine is off. For example, voice calls
can be prevented when the vehicle is moving by turning the mimic
signal on, and calls can be allowed when the vehicle is stopped by
turning the mimic signal off.
[0026] In some configurations, communications can be enabled when a
Bluetooth wireless link or any similar hands-free system is being
used. Various ways can be used to determine when the wireless
device is using a hands-free system. For example, the control unit
100 can include a receiver that can be used to detect when
Bluetooth signals are being exchanged between a hands-free device
and the wireless device. As another example, the vehicle can
include a docking station or link to the wireless device that
permits hands-free operation, and the docking status information
can be related to the control unit 100.
[0027] In some embodiments, any desired communication can be
allowed based on the destination of the call regardless of other
rules (i.e., the vehicle movement or engine status). For example,
voice calls to emergency telephone numbers (e.g., 911) can be
allowed at any time. As another example, voice calls to a list of
different pre-defined telephone numbers can be allowed at any time.
As another example, data sessions to pre-defined destinations
(e.g., Internet Protocol address, email address, etc.) can be
allowed at any time. The pre-defined list of numbers can be
specified by government authorities, a vehicle owner (e.g., the
owner of a corporate fleet), or any other person or entity.
[0028] Various ways of implementing and operating the control unit
100 are possible. In some embodiments, the control unit can operate
as follows. When the wireless device 104 attempts to initiate a
call, it will typically send a call set up request to the base
station to which it is registered. Hence, when the wireless device
is inside the vehicle, it will have registered with the control
unit. The wireless device will then send the call set up request to
the control unit. Normally, the wireless device expects a call set
up assignment to be sent back from the base station, at which point
the wireless device proceeds with the call, typically using an
assigned frequency or code channel specified by the base
station.
[0029] In some embodiments, the control unit 100 can prevent calls
by simply ignoring the call set up request. Since the wireless
device 104 never receives a call set up assignment, it never
proceeds with the call. The wireless device may send additional
call set up requests when response is not received, but these
requests can also be ignored by the control unit, thus preventing
the call from being initiated. Some wireless devices will, after a
timeout interval, provide an indication to the wireless device user
that the call could not be completed. For example, FIG. 3
illustrates a protocol diagram showing that the wireless device can
send one or more call setup messages which are all ignored by the
control unit, ultimately causing the call to fail.
[0030] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit
100 can prevent calls by responding to the call set up request with
a message that indicates it is not possible to set up or otherwise
initiate the call at a designated time. This configuration can
avoid the wireless device 104 sending multiple call set up
requests. This configuration can also allow for reduced battery
power consumption of the wireless device. Typically, the wireless
device will provide an indication to the wireless device user that
the call could not be completed.
[0031] In yet other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the control
unit 100 can prevent calls by sending a call set up assignment to
the wireless device 104 that makes it appear to the wireless device
that the call is going through. The control unit can then provide
sufficient communications with the wireless device to keep the
wireless device operating as though it is engaged in a call. The
control unit need not actually complete the call, and can ensure
that data sent to the wireless device results in silence. This
configuration can avoid a call failure indication to the wireless
device user, and thus may be less distracting than the examples
shown in FIGS. 3-4. Alternatively, the control unit can encode and
transmit audio messages through the wireless communications session
to the wireless device. For example, the control unit can provide
an advisory that calls are not permitted while the vehicle is in
motion.
[0032] The control unit 100 can allow calls using any number of
different techniques. In some embodiments, the control unit can
simply stop emitting the mimic signal. In these embodiments, the
wireless device 104 will realize it has been disconnected and will
attempt to reconnect. Since the mimic signal is no longer present,
the wireless device will instead establish a communications link
112 with the external network 106. The wireless device can then
proceed to operate normally, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In some
instances, however, this approach may cause the initial attempt to
place the call to fail, requiring the wireless device user to
redial.
[0033] In other embodiments, the control unit 100 can allow calls
by sending a redirect message to the wireless device that causes it
to switch to the external network. The control unit can then shut
off or reduce the power of its transmission to help avoid the
wireless device locking back onto the control unit, as illustrated
in FIG. 7. In some instances, this approach may also cause the
initial attempt to place the call to fail, requiring the wireless
device user to redial.
[0034] In yet other embodiments, the control unit 100 can allow
calls by exchanging messages with the external network to register
the wireless device with the external network and then sending a
message to the wireless device to cause it to establish
communications with the external network, as illustrated in FIG. 8.
In other words, the control unit can appear to be a base station
from the perspective of the wireless device, and the control unit
can appear to be a wireless device from the perspective of the base
station. Thus, the control unit exchanges registration messages and
call setup messages with the external network as if it was the
wireless device, and the control unit exchanges call set up
messages with the wireless device as if it was a base station for
the external network. One the messages have been exchanged, the
wireless device will tune to the channels/codes assigned in the
call setup message and communicate directly with the external
network without the wireless device being aware that it was
transferred. In the event that the communications between the
control unit and the external network takes sufficient time, the
wireless device may transmit a second call request message (not
shown) which can be disregarded by the control unit (since it is
already in the process of setting up the call).
[0035] In yet other embodiments, the control unit 100 can allow
calls by initially setting of call channels similarly to FIG. 5,
and then immediately causing the wireless device to handoff to the
external network.
[0036] Of course, the foregoing embodiments are only examples of
preventing and allowing communications. Different messages and
sequences of messages can be exchanged, and the specifics can be
dependent on the particular protocols supported by the external
communications network.
[0037] Various ways of implementing the control unit 100 into the
system illustrated in FIG. 1 are possible. For example, FIG. 9
provides a block diagram of some embodiments of a control unit 200
that can be used in place of--or in addition to--the control unit
100 in FIG. 1. The control unit 200 can include a transmitter 202,
a receiver 204, a controller 206, a vehicle interface 208, and one
or more antennas 210, 212. The transmitter 202 can be used to
transmit a mimic signal, as described above. The transmitter can,
for example, include any known type of transmitter, such as a base
station transmitter. Accordingly, the transmitter can transmit a
paging channel.
[0038] The paging channel can be compliant with any known
communication specification and/or standard. In some embodiments,
the paging channel can comply with the CDMA2000 system
specifications (also referred to as "3G cellular" or "CDMA
cellular"). There exist any number of variants of the CDMA2000
standard in operation around the world, and the transmitter 202 can
be compliant with one or more of the existing standards. As a
particular example, the system can be compliant with CDMA2000 1x,
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (e.g., Rel. 0, Rev. A, or Rev. B) and CDMA 2000
1xEV-DV. In some cases, compliance with one standard also provides
backwards compatibility with earlier standards. As another example,
the paging channel can be compliant with an emerging cellular
standard that is still under development, such as CDMA2000 3x and
the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) Long Term
Evolution (LTE) or 4G cellular wireless network standards.
[0039] In other embodiments, the transmitted paging channel can be
compliant with the UMTS system specifications (also referred to as
"3G cellular" or "WCDMA"). Like CDMA2000, there are a number of
variants of the UMTS system and the transmitter 202 can be
compliant with one or more of the existing standards, such as for
example UMTS Release 99, any of UMTS Release 4-9, or standards
still under development such as the 3.sup.rd Generation partnership
Project (3GPP) LTE.
[0040] The transmitter 202 can transmit additional logical and
physical channels (known as "forward channels") in addition to the
paging channel. For example, to produce a CDMA2000 mimic signal, a
pilot channel can also be transmitted. As another example, to
produce a UMTS mimic signal, the paging channel and a broadcast
control channel can be transmitted within a primary common control
physical channel.
[0041] The transmitter 202 can be configured to transmit the mimic
signal using similar signal formats and frequency allocations as
used by the cellular network (or networks) in the geographic area
in which the vehicle is expected to operate. For example, if the
vehicle is expected to operate within the U.S., the mimic signal
can use signal formats and frequency allocations corresponding to
U.S. cellular systems.
[0042] In some situations (e.g., the U.S.), there may be multiple
cellular networks operating using different frequency allocations
and/or signal formats. In such a situation, the control unit 202
can include multiple transmitters 202. The transmitters can
transmit a plurality of signals corresponding to multiple cellular
system types. For example, one transmitter can transmit CDMA2000
signals and another transmitter can transmit UMTS signals. As
another example, multiple transmitters can be used to transmit
signals in multiple frequency bands (e.g., within the 800 MHz
cellular band, within the 1800-1900 MHz personal communications
bands, or within other bands).
[0043] The transmitter 202 can be coupled to the antenna 210 to
allow for radiation of the mimic signal emitted by the transmitter.
As mentioned above, the signal strength of the mimic signal emitted
by the transmitter 202 can be set to a level where it is higher
than the signal strength of external networks within the vehicle,
but can be substantially contained within the vehicle. For example,
a mimic signal that is at a sufficiently low level outside the
vehicle so that wireless devices outside the vehicle do not attempt
to register with the control unit is substantially contained within
the vehicle. As another example, a mimic signal is substantially
contained within the vehicle if the mimic signal is at a
sufficiently low level outside of the vehicle so that degradation
to wireless communications of wireless devices outside the vehicle
is less than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount can
be, for example, 3 dB, 1 dB, 0.5 dB, or any other suitable
value.
[0044] The signal strength of the mimic signal can be determined by
both the power output of the transmitter and the antenna gain. As
antennas are directional, the gain pattern of the antenna can be
tailored to help contain the mimic signal within the vehicle. For
example, for an antenna mounted near an exterior surface of the
vehicle, the antenna gain pattern can be oriented to radiate most
of the power toward the interior of the vehicle while minimizing
power radiated toward the exterior of the vehicle. If desired,
multiple antennas can be used. For example, an antenna near the
forward portion of the passenger compartment can provide mimic
signal coverage of the driver and front passenger seats, and an
antenna near the rear portion of the passenger compartment can
provide mimic signal coverage of the rear passenger seats. If
desired, the coverage of the mimic signal can be limited to be less
than the entire interior of the vehicle. For example, the mimic
signal can be substantially contained within a limited area that
covers the area of the driver, thereby allowing wireless device
usage by passengers.
[0045] The receiver 204 can receive data from wireless devices
within the vehicle or within a limited area within the vehicle. The
receiver can be configured to receive a random access channel
(e.g., the CDMA2000 RACH or the UMTS RACH). The receiver can also
receive other channels (known as "reverse channels"). In some
embodiments, the receiver can include a base station receiver. The
receiver can be coupled to the antenna 212. Alternatively, the
transmitter 210 and receiver 212 can share a same antenna (not
shown), for example, using a diplexer. If desired, multiple
receivers can be included. For example, multiple receivers
corresponding to different cellular system standards can be
included. As another example, a receiver compatible with the
Bluetooth standard can be included to allow detection of when a
Bluetooth link is active.
[0046] The controller 206 can interface with the transmitter 202
and receiver 204, as shown in FIG. 9. The controller 206 can
provide signal parameters (e.g., transmit on/off, transmit power
level, transmit modulation, transmit signal format, etc.) and data
for transmission (e.g., layer 2 messages) to the transmitter. The
controller can also provide signal parameters (e.g., receive
on/off, receive modulation, receive signal format, etc.) to the
receiver. The controller can also accept data received (e.g., layer
2 messages) from the receiver.
[0047] The controller 206 can implement logic to implement various
signaling protocols between the control unit 200 and a wireless
device. The vehicle interface 208 can provide the controller 206
with information sufficient to determine the operational mode of
the vehicle in which the control unit is installed. In some
embodiments, the vehicle interface can be an electronic interface
to the vehicle engine controller. The vehicle interface can provide
information such as vehicle speed, vehicle gear, vehicle engine
status (on/off, etc.), or combinations thereof. The controller 206
can use the operational mode of the vehicle to determine whether to
allow communications sessions between the wireless device and the
external network. For example, the control unit can selectively
enable wireless communications sessions according to one or more
predefined rules. The control unit can be responsive to messages
received from the receiver attempting to establish a call by
sending signal parameters and/or data to the transmitter to
selectively enable calls, for example as described above.
[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 206 can include a
computer system, in which some or all of the processing logic can
be implemented. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a
computer system 800 which can be used to implement one or more of
the blocks of the controller shown in FIG. 9. The computer system
can include a general-purpose or special-purpose processing
subsystem 801. For example, the computer system can be a personal
computer, a notebook computer, a workstation, a minicomputer, a
mainframe, a supercomputer, a multi-processor system, a
processor-based electronic device, or the like, which is coupled to
the other components of the control unit 200. The processing
subsystem can include a processor 802 and an instruction memory
804. The processor can be capable of executing computer-executable
instructions received from the instruction memory via a bus 806 or
similar interface. The processor can be a single processor or
multiple processors (e.g., a central processor and one or more
other processors designed to perform a particular function or
task). The instruction memory can be integrated into the same
semiconductor device or package as the processor. The bus can be
configured to connect various components of the computer system,
and can include any of a variety of bus structures including a
memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus
that uses any of a variety of bus architectures. The bus can be
used to interconnect the processor, instruction memory, and other
components, such as mass storage devices, input/output interfaces,
network interfaces, and the like.
[0049] As describer further below, computer-executable instructions
can cause the processor 802 to execute functions to implement
logical operations, for example as described above, and as
described in further detail below. The computer-executable
instructions can be permanently stored in the instruction memory
804 or temporarily stored in the instruction memory and loaded into
the instruction memory from a computer-readable medium, for
example, via an interface 808. The computer-executable instructions
can include data structures, objects, programs, routines, or other
program modules that can be accessed by the processor. For example,
computer executable instructions can include operating system
instructions used to establish communication or enable loading of
programs, such as during start-up of the computer system. In
general, computer-executable instructions can cause the processor
to perform a particular function or group of functions and are
examples of program code means for implementing methods disclosed
herein. Furthermore, a particular sequence of the executable
instructions provides an example of corresponding acts that can be
used to implement the operations of such methods.
[0050] Examples of computer-readable media include random-access
memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory
(PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),
electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),
compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disk (DVD),
magnetic medium, or other suitable device or component that is
capable of providing data or executable instructions that can be
accessed by the processor 802. Computer-readable media can be a
non-transitory media (e.g., a physical device as described above)
which allows for permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary storage of
executable instructions.
[0051] The computer system 800 can include various input/output
interfaces, including for example an input interface 810 and an
output interface 802. The input interface can use, for example, a
serial interface, a parallel interface, a universal serial bus
(USB) interface, a Firewire interface (IEEE 1394), and the like.
The output interface can be the same or different than the input
interface. The input interface can be used to accept receive data
from the receiver, to receive vehicle information from the vehicle
interface, and to interface to other components of the control
unit. The output interface can be used to provide transmit data to
the transmitter, to provide configuration and control information
to the transmitter and receiver, and to interface to other
components of the control unit.
[0052] The computer system 800 can be used to implement a process
for controlling wireless device usage within a vehicle in distinct
software modules. The software modules can cause the processor 802
to implement these modules. For example, the instructions can
correspond to the flow chart of FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the
software modules can include an initialization module 902, a
registration module 904, and a call management module 906.
[0053] The initialization module 902 can cause the computer system
800 to establish an interface with the vehicle. For example, the
interface can provide vehicle state information to the computer
system. The vehicle state information can be provided on a regular
basis (e.g., a predefined interval) or an irregular basis (e.g.,
whenever state changes). The initialization module can also cause
the computer system to configure and turn on the transmitter and to
configure and turn on the receiver.
[0054] The registration module 904 can cause the computer system
800 to check for registration messages received from the wireless
device. When a registration message is received, the registration
module can cause the computer system to initiate transmission of a
registration response message.
[0055] The call management module 906 can cause the computer system
800 to selectively enable and disable calls. When a call request is
received, the call management module can check whether the call is
allowed. The call management module can use predefined rules,
vehicle state information, and the destination of the wireless
communications session (e.g., phone number being called) in
determining whether the call is allowed, for example as described
above. FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart of one example of an
implementation of logical functions to determine when a call is
allowed. When the call will be allowed, the call management module
can enable the call (e.g., transmit specific messages to the
wireless device, transmit specific messages to the external
network, disable the transmitter, or other actions as described
herein). When the call is to be disallowed, the call management
module can prevent the call (e.g., take no action, transmit
specific messages to the wireless device, or other actions as
described herein). When the call is complete, the call management
module can perform any necessary actions to prepare for receiving
subsequent registration or call request messages (e.g., turning
back on the transmitter). Detecting when the call is complete can,
for example, include monitoring the forward and/or reverse channels
being used by the call using the receiver(s).
[0056] While the devices and methods described above have used
specific examples of particular messages and sequencing of messages
between the control unit, wireless device, and external network,
many other sequences and particular messages can be used to provide
similar effects. Data messaging can be managed in a similar manner
(e.g., disallowing transmission or reception of text messages when
the vehicle is in motion). Devices other than cellular telephones
(e.g., personal data assistants, tablet computers, etc.) may
provide capability to make telephone calls (e.g., through data
networks such as "Wi-Fi" hot spots). Hence, it may prove beneficial
to manage such types of communications as well. Accordingly, in
some embodiments the control unit can emulate a non-cellular data
network (e.g., a data network, a WiMax network, and the like).
[0057] The techniques described herein can provide a number of
useful features. First, by selectively blocking some types of
telephone calls, distractions to a driver can be reduced which may,
in turn, reduce the risk of accidents. Thus, insurance companies
can offer discounts to drivers who the systems described herein
installed within their vehicles and employers may choose to install
such systems to reduce their liability risk. A second feature is
that since calls can be selectively enabled, risk of disruption of
important emergency communications can be reduced or eliminated.
This feature can help allow Federal Communications Commission
approval for deployment of the system.
[0058] In addition to any previously indicated modification,
numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be
devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are
intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while
the information has been described above with particularity and
detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most
practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including,
but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may
be made without departing from the principles and concepts set
forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be
illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any
manner.
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